Stroke Signs, Symptoms & Care

Comprehensive Stroke Care

As a Joint Commission-accredited and certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and leading provider of comprehensive stroke care, Spectrum Health is committed to fostering better outcomes for stroke patients. Our specialized neurovascular team, one of the largest of its kind in Michigan, has the expertise to provide the highest level of medical and surgical stroke treatment. The team consists of fellowship-trained, board-certified vascular neurologists and vascular neurosurgeons, as well as neurointerventional, neurocritical care and neurorehabilitation specialists.

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

How does a stroke occur?

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain are clogged or constricted preventing blood flow to the brain. This can happen in two different ways:

Thrombotic Ischemic Stroke: caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in an artery going to the brain. This type of blood clot develops within the artery as a result of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Embolic Ischemic Stroke: caused by a clot that forms in the heart or the neck arteries and travels to the brain. This type of blood clot often develops from an irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. This can happen in two different ways:

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Stroke: occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds between the brain and the skull. The most common cause is a ruptured aneurysm (a blood filled pouch that balloons out from an artery wall).

Intracerebral Hemorrhage Stroke: occurs when a blood vessel bleeds into the deep tissue in the brain. Untreated high blood pressure and aging vessels are the main cause.

The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a physician regarding your specific medical condition, diagnosis and/or treatment.